Which is better Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines?

Selecting an option between excellent and inadequate is easy, but choosing between best and best is where the challenge begins. Etihad and Emirates are prominent UAE-based airlines in the aviation industry and are renowned for offering their passengers top-notch in-flight experiences. Suppose you are in this dilemma of which airline, between Etihad and Emirates, would be ideal for having an unparalleled flying experience. In that case, this article will guide you in selecting the one that will match your expectations. Let's move further in the article and, based on different services, differentiate between the two airlines.  

(i) Airlines' Hub and flight network

• Emirates: Emirates operates over 3,600 weekly flights from its hub at Dubai International Airport, serving over 150 destinations across 80 countries and six continents. The airline is renowned for providing passengers with an undeniably luxurious flying experience with its utmost amenities and unmatched services. 
• Etihad: Etihad is the other big name, and it operates more than 1,000 flights per week from its hub at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. The airline operates flights to more than 120 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Etihad is a younger airline, but its innovation makes it a big name as a luxury airline offering a unique flight experience. 

(ii) Aircraft used for operations

• Emirates: Emirates' fleet comprises over 260 aircraft, with Boeing 777s and A380S. Compared to Etihad, they operate flights with less diverse aircraft. 
• Etihad: Etihad operates with a fleet of over 80 aircraft, fewer than Emirates. The passenger fleet includes A320, 321, 350-1000s, 380, and 777-300ERs. 

(iii) Ground Experience with Both Airlines

• Emirates: Emirates' hub is Dubai International Airport, a bigger airport offering more connectivity options. Multiple airlines operate flights to Dubai International Airport, connecting it to major global destinations. However, for economy class tickets, you won't get lounge access. 
• Etihad: Etihad's hub, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, is comparatively older. However, those who fly with Etihad don't have to worry, as the airline covers almost all the major destinations worldwide. Passengers travelling through economy class will not get Lounge access. 

(iv) In-flight Entertainment

• Emirates: Emirates' in-flight entertainment system is loaded with various entertainment options. Whether it is movies, TV shows, games, music, podcasts, radio shows, live sports, or many more options, all this can be seen on the 13th 3-inch screen, with outlets to keep your device charged. 
• Etihad: The entertainment setup in Etihad is comparatively minor, but it surely has everything to keep the passengers entertained. This includes the latest movies and on-demand TV shows, with high-quality headsets to enhance the passenger's entertainment experience. The options for entertainment may be lower, but they still deliver high-quality in-flight entertainment. 

(v) Cabin and Classes

• Emirates: Emirates offers four cabin classes: economy, premium economy, business class, and first class. Each class provides a remarkably comfortable experience, which improves with the second upgraded class. The highest class, the first class, is famous for delivering the best in-flight services and amenities, as it is almost a private suite that can be enclosed. 
• Etihad: Regarding luxurious experiences, Etihad offers the same high-end experience with its four cabin classes: Economy, Business, First class, and Residence. Each class provides the passengers with the utmost comfort, but the residence is totally out of this world, which is a super exclusive three-room suite in the air. 

(vi) Wi-Fi connectivity

• Emirates: Emirates offers the cheapest high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi connection. The airline also offers unlimited internet connection for first-class passengers who are members of its loyalty program, Emirates Skywards. 
• Etihad: Etihad offers access to various messaging applications throughout the flight duration. If passengers want to access the Wi-Fi, they can select a plan available on the aircraft and enjoy surfing the internet throughout the journey. However, the internet is complimentary for the Platinum and exclusive tier members. 

(vii) In-flight meal

• Emirates: Emirates' meal menu is more regionally specific and based on the destinations they serve. The meals are freshly prepared with fresh ingredients, and for the kids, they also offer a dedicated kids ' menu. These kids' and baby meals are served on colourful trays and specially created snack boxes for the young flyers. 
• Etihad: on the other hand, Etihad offers a range of options for meals and beverages. They prepare meals according to the passenger's dietary requirements. They serve meals several times daily, including two dinners, two snack meals, and various beverage options. Whether you want alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, there are a lot to choose from. 

Conclusion

Both airlines are known for their top-class flight services and amenities, and throughout their operations, they have created an excellent reputation in the aviation industry. They use an advanced aircraft fleet connecting to various destinations across the globe. In the above sections, we differentiated between the services provided by both airlines so that passengers could select the one that suits their taste. Emirates is a well-known luxury airline, while Etihad aims to provide a more personalised experience.